What is Christian Eschatology?
Christian eschatology is the study of the destiny of humankind as it is revealed in the Bible, focused primarily on the end times. The doctrine of the end times, often called eschatology, encompasses a wide range of beliefs about the timing and nature of end-time events, such as the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the rapture, the tribulation, the millennium, and the end of the world. While views on eschatology differ among Christian denominations, key aspects include:
The Second Coming of Christ
Christians believe Jesus will physically return to earth someday, an event known as the Second Coming. Jesus spoke about his return in places like Matthew 24, but the main source is Revelation 19, which describes Jesus returning on a white horse as King of kings and Lord of lords. Believers expect Jesus to return visibly, defeat evil, rule over a restored Kingdom of God on earth, and bring history to a close. Views differ on the timing – some think it is imminent while others say certain events must occur first.
The Resurrection of the Dead
The resurrection of the dead is the belief that at the end of time, the bodies of the dead will literally rise again to face judgment by God. Jesus himself was resurrected, which gives us hope that those who believe in him will also experience resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-57). The wicked will be resurrected to face eternal punishment while the righteous will be resurrected to enjoy eternal life in God’s presence (John 5:28-29). The resurrection body will be imperishable and no longer subject to weakness, suffering, and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
The Rapture
The rapture is a belief held by some evangelical Protestants that prior to (or during) a time of tribulation on the earth, believers who are still alive will be miraculously taken up to meet Christ in the air. The concept comes primarily from 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Views differ on the timing – pre-tribulation rapture says the rapture happens before the tribulation while post-tribulation rapture says it happens after. The rapture is distinct from the Second Coming; after meeting Christ, believers return with him to reign on earth.
The Great Tribulation
Many Christians believe that prior to Christ’s return, there will be a period of great suffering on earth often called the tribulation or great tribulation. The tribulation is seen as a future 7 year period when the Antichrist will reign, Israel will be persecuted, natural disasters will occur, and much of the world’s population will die (Daniel 9:24-27). Views differ on whether Christians will go through the tribulation or be spared from it via the rapture. Non-premillennialists do not necessarily believe in a future tribulation.
The Millennium
Revelation 20 describes a 1000 year period when Christians martyred for their faith will be resurrected to reign with Christ on earth after his Second Coming. This resurrection of the righteous is called the first resurrection. After the millennium, the rest of the dead are resurrected for judgment. Views differ among premillennialists about the nature of the millennial kingdom – will it be a literal 1000 years or symbolic of Christ’s triumph over evil. Other Christians are amillennialist and do not believe in a future literal millennium.
Judgment Day
The Bible teaches a final day of judgment where every person will face God and give an account for how they lived (Hebrews 9:27). For believers, this judgment happens at the Bema Seat where Christ will evaluate their works and reward them accordingly, but their salvation is secure (2 Corinthians 5:10). Unbelievers will be judged at the Great White Throne and since their names are not written in the Book of Life, they will be condemned (Revelation 20:11-15).
The New Heavens and New Earth
After Christ defeats all enemies, Revelation 21-22 describes God creating a new heaven and new earth free from sin, suffering, and death. Believers will inhabit resurrected bodies and live in God’s presence forever. Views differ about the continuity between the old and new creation, but Revelation depicts a future with no more tears, pain, sea, etc. Christ’s resurrection guarantees the renewal of all things.
Hell
Almost all Christians affirm belief in an eternal hell, depicted as a lake of fire where the unsaved are tormented forever. Hell is described as outer darkness (Matthew 8:12), unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43), eternal fire (Matthew 25:41), eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46) and the second death (Revelation 21:8). Views differ on whether hell means literal fire/torment or separation from God. Some believe in annihilationism – that the wicked will be destroyed, not tormented endlessly.
The Final Judgment
Revelation 20 depicts a Great White Throne judgment where the wicked stand before God to be judged before being thrown into the lake of fire. After Satan is defeated, the dead are resurrected and both death and Hades give up the dead for final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The righteous are also judged but enjoy eternal life with God instead of condemnation (Matthew 25:31-46). No one is exempt from facing God.
Eternity
Christians believe that all humanity will experience eternal existence. For those who have accepted Christ’s atoning sacrifice, eternity means dwelling with God in the joy of the new creation. For those who have rejected Christ, eternity means separation from God’s presence and torment. Biblical promises of eternity give us hope to persevere now, knowing that this life is not all there is and the best is yet to come for those in Christ (Revelation 21:3-4).
Differing Views of Eschatology
There are four major interpretations regarding the end times within Christianity:
Dispensational Premillennialism
This view holds that God deals with humanity through different dispensations or periods. The rapture will occur before a 7 year tribulation on earth followed by a literal 1000 year millennium during which Christ rules on earth. It has a premillennial futurist reading of Revelation.
Historical Premillennialism
Christ will return to establish a literal 1000 year kingdom on earth after defeating evil. The tribulation and the millennium are historical events still to come. This view is premillennial but differs from dispensationalism in interpreting Revelation more historically.
Amillennialism
The millennium described in Revelation 20 is symbolic of Christ’s current spiritual reign rather than a future literal kingdom. Evil will increase in the end times but Christ could return at any moment to defeat evil, resurrect the dead, and usher in a new eternal age. There is no earthly millennial reign.
Postmillennialism
As the gospel spreads, conditions on earth will improve until a long period of peace and righteousness emerges. Christ will return after this millennial age. Evil will not increase but be gradually defeated by the gospel. Few hold this view today.
Implications of Eschatology
1. Hope – Biblical eschatology gives hope that Christ will return to make all things right and we will dwell with him forever. This hope brings meaning amidst suffering.
2. Holy Living – Expecting Christ’s return motivates believers to live holy lives seeking to become more like Christ (2 Peter 3:11-14). The promise of future reward also spurs faithful service.
3. Mission – If Christ is returning, it is urgent to spread the gospel so more may gain salvation before it is too late (Matthew 24:14). Eschatology fuels evangelistic fervor.
4. Cultural Engagement – Though the world will pass away, working for renewal and justice affirm Christ’s restoration of all things (Matthew 19:28). God cares about institutions and systems impacted by sin.
5. Comfort – God’s sovereignty over future events means believers can trust in His wise plan rather than living in fear of the unknown (John 14:1-3). Eschatology produces assurance.
6. Worship – God’s final victory inspires awe and praise for His glory and might. Eschatology directs our worship toward the consummation of all things in Christ (Revelation 5:9-14).
Conclusion
Christian eschatology provides rich insights into God’s plans for the future culmination of history, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Differing interpretations exist, often splitting along premillennial and amillennial lines. While eschatology remains complex, the promise that Christ will return to make all things right offers enduring hope and encouragement for life today. With prayerful study, eschatology can inform how believers live and relate to the future while awaiting the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.